Biotech Advancement: Launch of India's First Animal Stem Cell Biobank in Hyderabad, Introduction of 5 Innovative Veterinary Diagnostic Tools
News Article: India's BioE3 Policy Drives Transformative Advancements in Agriculture and Veterinary Health
On August 9, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the State-of-the-Art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad. This significant milestone marks India's stride towards a biotechnology-driven economy, under the government's strategic initiative, the BioE3 policy.
Dr. Singh, in his address, highlighted the importance of the policy, which focuses on three pillars: Economy, Environment, and Employment. He emphasized the transformative impact of advancements in veterinary health on India's economy, as agriculture contributes 18% to the GDP and employs 60% of the workforce.
The Biobank, built at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore and covering an area of 9,300 sq ft, is supported by the National Biopharma Mission of DBT-BIRAC. Equipped with advanced tools such as a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, and advanced air handling systems, the Biobank aims to advance regenerative medicine, disease modelling, and reproductive biotechnology for livestock.
During the event, Dr. Singh launched five new veterinary diagnostic tools aimed at transforming animal health management. These diagnostic tools include rapid kits for brucellosis, mastitis, toxoplasmosis, and Japanese encephalitis, as well as a portable antimicrobial sensitivity testing device.
Dr. Singh also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Biotechnology "BioE3" policy for positioning India as an early mover in the frontier sector. He commended NIAB Director Dr. Taru Sharma for her leadership and emphasized the importance of closer collaboration with industry to ensure faster adoption of new technologies in agriculture.
The BioE3 policy aims to develop a strong and resilient biotechnology industry that accelerates innovation in biomanufacturing, promotes research and development, and integrates biotechnology into various sectors to solve critical challenges in agriculture, health, energy, and sustainability.
Advancing high-performance biomanufacturing, supporting a circular economy, driving economic growth and employment, and encouraging collaboration among government entities, industry partners, and research institutions are key aspects of the BioE3 policy. The policy positions India to become a global leader in industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing, fostering sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, and inclusive job creation.
Every rupee invested in agricultural research generates a return of Rs 13, according to Dr. Singh, underlining the potential for significant economic growth through the BioE3 policy. India is well-positioned for the next industrial revolution, driven by genetic and regenerative processes, he added.
On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Singh interacted with farmers to understand their challenges and discuss the role of the Biobank and the BioE3 policy in addressing these issues. He also laid the foundation stone for a new hostel block and staff quarters worth Rs 19.98 crore at NIAB during the same event.
The BioE3 policy, launched in August 2024, is a strategic initiative to drive India’s transition towards a biotechnology-driven economy. With its focus on Economy, Environment, and Employment, the policy aims to develop a strong and resilient biotechnology industry that accelerates innovation, promotes research and development, and integrates biotechnology into various sectors to solve critical challenges in agriculture, health, energy, and sustainability.
- The advancements in the Biobank, a result of India's BioE3 policy, are expected to extend to fields beyond veterinary health, potentially influencing science, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise, as regenerative medicine and disease modelling involve human health as well.
- In the realm of finance, the BioE3 policy, with its emphasis on driving economic growth and employment, could stimulate investment in the biotechnology sector, making it a lucrative area for financial investors.
- As India positions itself as a global leader in industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing, thanks to the BioE3 policy, technology is likely to play a pivotal role in enhancing the production processes and quality control in various sectors, including education-and-self-development and sports.
